ASTM D4568-99(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds And Polyolefin Wire and Cable Materials
Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and Flooding Compounds And Polyolefin Wire and Cable Materials
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Cable filling and flooding compounds are normally semi-solid at room temperature and fluid in varying degrees at elevated temperatures. They are normally applied in a liquid state and at an elevated temperature during wire and cable manufacturing. The completed finished wire or cable is exposed to various ambient conditions during its useful life. If not carefully selected, components of filling or flooding compounds have the potential to degrade the materials they contact, short term or long term. The following methods are intended to minimize the chances of such problems occurring.
Some of the effects that might occur include, but are not limited to:
Delamination of coated metal shields or screens in completed wire and cable. Delamination is primarily a function of the test temperature and the type of laminant used, so test results are unlikely to vary significantly between filling or flooding compounds of a common family (for example, petroleum based filling or flooding compounds).
Degradation of physical properties of insulation, jackets, core coverings, etc. Likely manifestations of degradation of plastic material include embrittlement of some materials and excessive softening of other materials.
Since the magnitude of any given effect will vary, some test procedures will be more critical than others. It is not, therefore, intended that every listed procedure be performed with every compatibility study. Perform procedures to the extent required by product specifications or as agreed upon between the producer and the purchaser.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods evaluate the compatibility between cable filling or cable flooding compounds, or both, and polyolefin materials used in the manufacture of wire and cable that are usually in intimate contact with the filler or floodant, or both.
1.2 These test methods are useful to ensure compatibility and to verify that new formulations of filling or flooding compounds will have no deleterious effect upon the other polyolefin materials being used or, conversely, use these methods to ensure that other polyolefin wire and cable materials are evaluated for possible use not degraded by contact with fillers or floodants already in use.
1.3 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different units, the values in the first set are the standard, while those in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
7.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin coatings on aluminum and steel shielding and armoring material used in telecommunications wire and cables.
12.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin insulating materials used in telecommunications wires and cables.
17.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin jacketing materials used in telecommunications wires and cables.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:D4568 −99(Reapproved 2009) An American National Standard
Standard Test Methods for
Evaluating Compatibility Between Cable Filling and
Flooding Compounds And Polyolefin Wire and Cable
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4568; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D1928 Practice for Preparation of Compression-Molded
Polyethylene Test Sheets and Test Specimens (Withdrawn
1.1 These test methods evaluate the compatibility between
2001)
cable filling or cable flooding compounds, or both, and
D2633 Test Methods for Thermoplastic Insulations and
polyolefin materials used in the manufacture of wire and cable
Jackets for Wire and Cable
thatareusuallyinintimatecontactwiththefillerorfloodant,or
D4730 Specification for Flooding Compounds for Telecom-
both.
munications Wire and Cable
1.2 These test methods are useful to ensure compatibility
D4731 Specification for Hot-Application Filling Com-
and to verify that new formulations of filling or flooding
pounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
compounds will have no deleterious effect upon the other
D4732 Specification for Cool-Application Filling Com-
polyolefin materials being used or, conversely, use these
pounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
methods to ensure that other polyolefin wire and cable mate-
D5423 Specification for Forced-Convection Laboratory Ov-
rials are evaluated for possible use not degraded by contact
ens for Evaluation of Electrical Insulation
with fillers or floodants already in use.
3. Terminology
1.3 Whenever two sets of values are presented, in different
3.1 Definitions:
units, the values in the first set are the standard, while those in
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in these test methods,
parentheses are for information only.
refer to Terminology D1711
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.1 aging (act of), n—exposure of materials to filling or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
flooding compound at a specified temperature for a specified
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
time.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.2 filling compound—any of several materials (see Speci-
2. Referenced Documents
fications D4731 and D4732) used to fill the air spaces in the
cores of multi-conductor insulated wires and cables for the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
purpose of excluding air or moisture or both; especially with
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
regard to telecommunications wire and cable intended for
direct burial.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on
3.2.3 flooding compound—any of several materials (see
Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and are the direct responsibility of
Specification D4730) used to flood wire or cable sheath
Subcommittee D09.18 on Solid Insulations, Non-Metallic Shieldings and Coverings
for Electrical and Telecommunication Wires and Cables. Members of ASTM
interfaces (for example, the region between core wrap and a
Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants andASTM Committee B07
shield, between a shield and a jacket, etc.) to eliminate or to
on Light Metals and Alloys have contributed to these test methods.
minimize normal voids or air spaces in these areas; especially
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2009. Published February 2010. Originally
ϵ1
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D4568 – 99(2004) . with regard to telecommunications wire and cable intended for
DOI: 10.1520/D4568-99R09.
direct burial.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4568−99 (2009)
4. Significance and Use COMPATIBILITY EVALUATION BETWEEN
COATED METALS AND FILLING OR FLOODING
4.1 Cable filling and flooding compounds are normally
COMPOUNDS
semi-solid at room temperature and fluid in varying degrees at
elevated temperatures. They are normally applied in a liquid
7. Scope
state and at an elevated temperature during wire and cable
7.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin coatings
manufacturing. The completed finished wire or cable is ex-
on aluminum and steel shielding and armoring material used in
posedtovariousambientconditionsduringitsusefullife.Ifnot
telecommunications wire and cables.
carefully selected, components of filling or flooding com-
poundshavethepotentialtodegradethematerialstheycontact,
8. Specimen Preparation
short term or long term.The following methods are intended to
8.1 Cut a specimen of coated metal tape (shielding tape,
minimize the chances of such problems occurring.
armor tape, screen tape) 6 in. (150 mm) long for evaluation. If
4.2 Some of the effects that might occur include, but are not
a choice of tape widths is possible, select a width narrow
limited to:
enough to fit easily into a container (beaker, graduated cylin-
4.2.1 Delamination of coated metal shields or screens in
der, etc.)
completedwireandcable.Delaminationisprimarilyafunction
8.2 Heat a quantity of the filling or flooding compound to a
of the test temperature and the type of laminant used, so test
temperature such that all components of the compound are in
results are unlikely to vary significantly between filling or
solution and the compound is a homogenous pourable liquid
flooding compounds of a common family (for example, petro-
(98°C minimum). Maintain at a temperature higher than 102°C
leum based filling or flooding compounds).
only if necessary for pouring.Astandardized pouring tempera-
4.2.2 Degradation of physical properties of insulation, jack-
ture of 100 6 2°C is preferred in order to produce uniform
ets, core coverings, etc. Likely manifestations of degradation
testing. Record melting and pouring temperatures used, to-
ofplasticmaterialincludeembrittlementofsomematerialsand
gether with other relevant laboratory data.
excessive softening of other materials.
8.3 Pour the melted compound into the container holding
4.3 Since the magnitude of any given effect will vary, some
thecoatedmetaltape.Poursufficientmaterialtoensurethatthe
test procedures will be more critical than others. It is not,
tape is completely covered.
therefore, intended that every listed procedure be performed
with every compatibility study. Perform procedures to the
9. Specimen Aging
extent required by product specifications or as agreed upon
9.1 Place the immersed metal tape into an oven preheated to
between the producer and the purchaser.
the temperature mutually agreed upon between the wire and
cable manufacturer and the purchaser. Unless otherwise speci-
5. Apparatus
fied, maintain this temperature for a period of 168 h (7 days)
5.1 Oven—Forced-convection oven, conforming to Specifi-
minimum. See Note 1.
cation D5423, Type II.
NOTE 1—It may be desirable to age specimens at more than one
5.2 Containers—Glass or other containers of suitable size,
temperature (60 6 1°C and 80 6 1°C are commonly used) or to age all
shape, and make-up as required to hold the designated speci- specimenstoafailuretime,orboth.Ifspecimensarebeingagedtofailure,
it is suggested that sets of specimens be removed from the oven at the end
mens.
of interim periods (that is, after 7 days, after 14 days, etc).
5.3 Clamps, or other devices as suitable for holding speci-
10. Specimen Examination
mens in the oven.
10.1 Aftertheagingperiodisconcludedandbeforecooling,
5.4 Tensile Strength Testing Apparatus, as specified by the
extract the metal tape from the container of filling or flooding
test requirement.
material. Allow as much as possible of the compound to drain
5.5 Mill, Press, and Molding Equipment, as needed for
from the specimen. Avoid wiping the specimen and do not
preparation of compression molded specimens as required.
expose it to solvents to remove the filling or flooding material.
5.6 Miscellaneous Lab Equipment—Towels, knives, etc. as
(See Note 2.)
required for cleaning and cutting specimens.
NOTE 2—High melt-temperature filling and flooding materials may
have to be removed from the tape by mechanical or other means. If no
6. Sampling
other choice is possible, it may be necessary to reheat the container of
immersed tape to permit extracting it, but recognize that such reheating
6.1 Ensure that samples of filling and flooding compounds
may adversely bias test results by causing the coated metal(s) to behave in
and the other affected wire and cable materials to be evaluated
a manner not encountered during a normal cable life. Recorded laboratory
are representative of the materials to be used or to be found in
data should include descriptions of any special techniques used to extract
the finished products. tape specimens.
D4568−99 (2009)
10.2 Allow the specimen to cool to room ambient condi- solution and the compound is a homogenous pourable liquid
tions. (98°C minimum). Maintain at a temperature higher than 102°C
only if necessary for pouring.Astandardized pouring tempera-
10.3 Visually examine (normal vision or corrected-tonormal
ture of 100 6 2°C is preferred in order to produce uniform
vision, without magnification) the specimen of coated metal
testing. Record melting and pouring temperatures used to-
tape for evidence of delamination.
gether with other relevant laboratory data.
11. Interpretation of Results
13.6 Coat some (normally one half) of the specimens (both
11.1 Unless otherwise specified, consider any visual evi- straight and pigtail) with the filling or flooding material. Dip
dence of delamination of coated metal to be a failure. thespecimensorpainttheheatedandliquifiedmaterialonwith
a brush, etc., so the outer surface is completely covered 0.001
11.2 Report—ThereportshallbeinaccordancewithSection
to 0.002 in. (0.025 to 0.050 mm). Do not soak the specimens in
23.
the compound in a dipping or similar process (expose to excess
quantities of compound for a matter of seconds rather than
COMPATIBILITY EVALUATIONS FOR
hours; see
POLYOLEFIN INSULATIONS AND FILLING Note 3).
OR FLOODING COMPOUNDS
NOTE 3—The intent of this procedure is to provide heat aging of
insulating and jacketing material in an oven and not in hot grease; hence,
12. Scope
the prohibition against soaking as described in 13.6 and 18.5 of this test
method.
12.1 This test method is specifically for polyolefin insulat-
ing materials used in telecommunications wires and cables.
14. Specimen Aging
13. Specimen Preparation and Initial Testing
14.1 Place the insulated conductor specimens, coated and
uncoated, into an oven preheated to the temperature mutually
13.1 Obtain samples of typical insulated conductors for
agreeduponbetweenthecablemanufacturerandthepurchaser.
evaluation.
Unless otherwise specified, maintain this temperature for a
13.1.1 Where various insulated conductor sizes are avail-
period of 672 h (28 days) minimum. See Note 1 and Note 4.
able for evaluation, test the smallest conductor size.
13.1.2 Unless otherwise permitted by the product specifica-
NOTE 4—Testing of insulations and jackets may be continued beyond
tion, evaluate white insulation. (White insulation is normally
the 28 day minimum period to obtain more data. For long term testing (up
heavily loaded and is common to most telecommunications
to a year of aging), interim examinations at monthly intervals are
recommended. Interim intervals beyond 1 year of aging may be length-
wire and cable products.) Evaluate the other basic telecommu-
ened appropriately.
nications wire and cable colors when required by the product
specification or when otherwise deemed necessary.
15. Specimen Retest and Examination
13.1.3 Use a sample length long enough to permit testing
15.1 At the conclusion of the test period, remove the sets of
before and after exposure to the filling or flooding materials in
specimens (both straight and pigtail) from the ovens. Using a
question.
paper towel or a clean dry cloth (no solvents), gently wipe the
13.2 Unless otherwise specified, cut the samples to obtain a
specimenstoremoveasmuchofthefillingorfloodingmaterial
minimum of 10 specimens for each color and material being
as possible without unduly stressing the specimens. Do not
evaluated and for each environmental condition described (see
straighten the pigtail specimens during this cleaning process.
Note1).Unlessotherwisespecified,asetofspecimensconsists
Allow them to cool to room ambient conditions.
of a minimum of one specimen of each color and material in
15.2 Visually examine (normal or corrected-to-normal vi-
each test configuration (such as straight and pigtail) being
sion, without magnification) the pigtail specimen(s) of insu-
evaluated.
lated conductor for evidence of cracking.
13.3 Select at least one specimen of each color and material
15.3 Test the heat aged specimens of straight insulated
under study and measure tensile strength (nominal) and per-
conductors (coated and uncoated) as in 13.3. Record the results
centage elongation at the break of the insulation with the
for each specimen after aging, and calculate the percentage
conductor removed (see Test Specimen section of Test Meth-
difference between “before” and “after” test results.
ods D2633 for methods of removing the conductor). Use test
methods, gage marks, and initial jaw separation in accordance
16. Interpretation of Results
with Test Methods D2633. Record results for each specimen
“before aging.” 16.1 Unless otherwise specified, consider visual evidence of
cracking in pigtail specimens to be a failure.
13.4 In addition to straightened specimens of insulated
conductor, prepare pigtail samples of insulated conductor by 16.2 Except as noted in 16.1, Pass or Fail interpretations of
wrapping individual specimens for 10 complete turns around a insulation compatibility evaluations are as agreed upon be-
mandrel equal to the outside diameter of the insulated conduc- tween the parties involved, and based upon the determination
tor. As a minimum, prepare enough pigtail samples to permit of percentage retention of properties at the end of heat aging at
examination as specified in 15.2. the agreed-upon temperature.
13.5 Heat a
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